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Mats Wilander Urges Novak Djokovic to Play Monte Carlo Masters
Tennis legend Mats Wilander has urged world No. 1 Novak Djokovic to participate in the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters, believing it is a crucial opportunity for the Serbian to regain momentum ahead of the French Open. The seven-time Grand Slam champion expressed concern over Djokovic’s lack of match play in 2024, suggesting that skipping Monte Carlo could be a risky move.
Djokovic, who has struggled with form and consistency this season, has yet to secure a title in 2024. His early exits from both the Australian Open and Indian Wells Masters have raised questions about his preparation for the demanding clay-court season. While Djokovic has traditionally taken a selective approach to his schedule, Wilander believes playing in Monte Carlo would be beneficial for his confidence and rhythm on clay.
Speaking in an interview, Wilander emphasized that match fitness is essential for Djokovic if he wants to challenge Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and other clay-court specialists at Roland Garros. “Novak is the best player in the world, but he needs matches. Clay is physically and mentally demanding, and missing Monte Carlo would put him at a disadvantage,” Wilander explained. He also pointed out that younger players like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are gaining momentum, making it crucial for Djokovic to test himself against top competition before the season’s second Grand Slam.
Monte Carlo has historically been a challenging tournament for Djokovic. Despite winning the title twice (2013, 2015), he has often struggled with the slower conditions and unpredictable weather. However, Wilander believes that participating in the event—regardless of the outcome—would provide Djokovic with valuable court time and tactical adjustments ahead of Madrid, Rome, and ultimately the French Open.
Djokovic has yet to confirm whether he will compete in Monte Carlo, but Wilander’s comments highlight the growing pressure on him to prioritize match practice over rest. With Nadal’s comeback, Alcaraz’s rise, and Sinner’s growing confidence, the Serbian star will need to be at his best to maintain his dominance. Whether he takes Wilander’s advice remains to be seen, but skipping Monte Carlo could leave Djokovic underprepared for his biggest challenge of the year—winning a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.